When starting a dropshipping business, filling your store with high-demand products at reasonable prices is of foremost importance. Finding the right products will help you connect with potential customers and achieve the best return on investment.
If you already know what you want to sell and have found a niche you understand well, congratulations! If you're new to dropshipping and don't know what to sell, don’t worry, check out these 9 product research methods for product inspiration.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
1. Get in early on trends
When a product becomes extremely popular, it usually means that the market is saturated and the competition is fierce. To achieve a higher profit margin, keep an eye out for potential trends to stay ahead of your competitors. Analyze Google Trends and conduct research into top niches with high potential—they could give you an edge in the dropshipping space. You can also keep an eye on crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter to unearth "future gold" before your competitors discover them.
2. Product hashtags on TikTok
TikTok is more than just a highly addictive video platform; it can also be used for market research and marketing purposes. Trendy products on TikTok are opportunities for you to outperform your competitors! Spend time browsing the most engaging videos on TikTok. Product hashtags on TikTok like #viralproduct and #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt are good places to start.
3. Social shopping sites
Social shopping platforms have recently gained immense popularity. It brings together people with similar tastes in online shopping experience. Top social shopping sites include Shoppable Instagram, Pinterest Pins, and Facebook Shops. They all have integrated social features, such as product sharing and front-facing user engagement. By observing how people use these functions, you can quickly identify things that people love and are raving about.
4. Join online communities
There are various online communities and forums where you can research in-demand items. For example, Facebook and Reddit host many such communities you can join.
Shoplazza also has an exclusive WhatsApp business group with daily dropshipping product picks and other eCommerce insights to help entrepreneurs grow their online businesses.
5. Competitor product research
Another approach for finding dropshipping product ideas is to look at what your competitors are selling. Simply searching for products you want to sell on Google or social shopping sites will give an enormous selection of results. Investigate how your competitors obtain and sell items, as well as their pricing strategies.
6. Use a product research tool
A product research tool is software that uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze millions of products across different marketplaces. Its purpose is to help store owners evaluate an item’s potential based on data points like current order volumes, sales history, and the number of Shopify stores selling this product. Some popular product research tools we recommend include Sell the Trend, Niche Scraper, and AliShark.
7. Search local manufacturers
Use supplier databases to look for a manufacturer in your area. Domestic suppliers provide advantages such as speedier shipping, higher product quality, and a long-term partnership. Approach product manufacturers and request approved supplier lists.
8. Target a seasonal trend
Holidays are about spending money. Selling seasonal products have huge potential for good return. But do not simply offer common holiday items - they still need to be winning products! For example, don't attempt to sell regular roses for Valentine’s Day or regular Christmas trees for Christmas.
9. Do your own research
Dropshipping is highly competitive, so you have to be creative in finding products that serve the needs and wants of your target audience. Work with products that you are passionate about and become an expert in that niche. You'll cultivate loyal customers who will return to your store regularly.
Final thoughts
Remember, the goal is to find products that you can make a profit from. People have to want your product before purchasing it, so it’s crucial to choose products that your customers care about. Also, given your limited control over product quality and shipping time when dropshipping, we strongly recommend that you order product samples to test for quality and shipping before you start selling to your customers.
Ready to start dropshipping? Start your free 7-day trial on Shoplazza today to build your store and test out the ideas above!
